Feedback for EntreFEST 2014 in downtown Iowa City was so positive, organizers have chosen to host an even larger version there next year.

Moreover, all three public universities are joining forces to partner as the lead presenter for the expanded EntreFEST on May 20-22, 2015.

The first EntreFest, billed as the largest gathering of entrepreneurs and innovators in Iowa, was organized by the University of Northern Iowa and held in Cedar Falls in February 2008. The annual event has expanded over the years, and picked up new attendees and presenting partners, as it has moved to different cities across the state.

Over the past two years, the audience for the event has expanded from only small business owners to include: innovators in large companies, entrepreneurs working to build new businesses and community builders working to foster their local entrepreneur ecosystem.

“This event is hugely important in terms of fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation here in Iowa,” Ravi Patel, president of the Iowa City-based Hawkeye Hotels, wrote in an email Tuesday. “For years, it’s been communities along the coasts that have been reaping the benefits of these emerging startup communities, so it’s good to see states here in the Midwest not only following suit, but doubling down with their support through public-private partnerships.”

This May’s EntreFEST in Iowa City proved to be so popular among the 560 attendees that the organizers again want to use the pedestrian mall and downtown landscape as the setting for what, in 2015, is being billed as three events in one:

• An education conference.

• A trade show of resources available to entrepreneurs in Iowa.

• A festival including parties and events celebrating innovation in the state.

“It’s just such a tremendous networking opportunity for everyone involved,” said Judi Eyles, the assistant director of the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship at Iowa State University.

Over the past few years, neither the University of Iowa nor Iowa State University have played a significant role in the organizing of the UNI-initiated EntreFEST. UI and ISU did provided some resources, attendees and speakers. But organizers say this year’s partnership among the universities, along with the five Pappajohn Centers for Entrepreneurship across the state, represents a significant investment of finances, expertise and influence.

“That’s one of the things that’s so exciting about the universities joining on,” said Amanda Stryon West, director of EntreFEST and CEO of Seed Here Studio. “It’s not just our network; it’s a statewide network. ... Working with (all three) universities provides us with a big opportunity to reach out and touch more entrepreneurs around the state than we ever have.”

West said the collaboration is helping EntreFEST “aim higher” and to continue to expand into one of the most important entrepreneurial events in the region.

Higher education reporter Jeff Charis-Carlson can be reached at 319-887-5435 or jcharisc@press-citizen.com.